The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday, May 6, met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, and other senior officials of the commission at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over security arrangements for upcoming elections.
The meeting focused on plans to ensure peaceful, credible and secure elections, especially ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, forthcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections.
Also in attendance were members of the Force Management Team and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The INEC delegation included the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs Jamila Abubakar Malafa and Dr Baba Bila; National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; and National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
Speaking during the visit, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security planning ahead of the electoral cycle.
He said the current security challenges in parts of the country required early preparation, specialised training for security personnel and closer collaboration between INEC and the police.
The INEC chairman also called for special attention to vulnerable voters, particularly Internally Displaced Persons and Persons with Disabilities.
According to him, IDPs and PWDs must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
He urged the police to help create a secure environment that would give all eligible voters confidence to participate in the elections.
Police Begin Intelligence Mapping
Responding, Disu described the visit as timely and important to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He said the Nigeria Police Force had already begun strategic preparations for the forthcoming elections, including intelligence mapping to identify and prevent possible threats.
According to the IGP, the measures are aimed at tackling political violence, cult-related activities, voter intimidation and other actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He also disclosed that the Force was working on plans for the safe movement of electoral materials and personnel before, during and after the elections.
Disu said the police would continue to coordinate with other security agencies to ensure a united operational approach across the country.
He added that the Force would also intensify efforts to counter misinformation, which he said could heighten tension and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The IGP assured the INEC delegation that police officers deployed for election duty would be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
He said personnel were already undergoing training on the rules of engagement, human rights protection and professional conduct during elections.
Disu said the police would carry out their duties in a way that protects voters, election officials, observers and other stakeholders.
He stressed that the Force would not tolerate misconduct from any officer deployed for election duties.
According to him, any police officer found wanting or involved in any act capable of compromising the integrity of the elections would face disciplinary action in line with the law.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing a safe and secure environment for all citizens throughout the electoral process.
He said special consideration would be given to IDPs, PWDs and other vulnerable groups to ensure that they are not excluded from the exercise.
The IGP also pledged the full support of the Force to INEC, while calling for cooperation from the commission and other election stakeholders.
He said effective collaboration among institutions would be critical to ensuring peaceful elections and a smooth democratic process for the country.
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